Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has voiced strong concerns over the safety of students during an unauthorized field trip organized by Bestlink College of the Philippines, as well as a scam that defrauded teachers. The senator highlighted the distressing experiences of students during an out-of-town celebration in Hermosa, Bataan, which was not sanctioned by the school. Gatchalian emphasized the necessity for robust safety measures during off-campus school events, stating that students should feel secure and supported on such trips, which are intended to enrich their learning experience. He pointed out that this was not the first incident involving Bestlink College, recalling a tragic off-campus event in 2017 that resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries. In response, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order to the college, and Gatchalian has called for swift action to hold those responsible accountable and to implement necessary corrections. He also urged CHED and other educational institutions to reassess their policies on off-campus activities to prioritize student safety. In a separate issue, Gatchalian condemned a cosmetics and skincare investment scam that defrauded teachers in Biñan, Laguna, and others of PHP500 million. He expressed solidarity with the victims and criticized the deceitful actions of those involved, noting that estafa charges have been filed. Gatchalian called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to aid the victims and urged law enforcement to locate the firm’s elusive CEO. He stressed the importance of protecting citizens from similar scams and committed to collaborating with government agencies and educational institutions to enhance financial literacy programs and prevent future fraud.
Senator Gatchalian Demands Action on Bestlink College’s Unsafe Field Trip and Teacher Investment Scam
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